"We are all shocked and saddened by the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle
Giffords and other innocent people today," said U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg in a written statement. "Rep. Giffords was innocently
pursuing her interest in serving the public when she was shot in this
maniacal act. America must not tolerate violence or inflammatory
rhetoric that incites political violence."

U.S Senator Robert Menendez also shared a statement.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the
attack on Congresswoman Giffords, her staffers, a federal judge and
other innocent bystanders - an attack that has taken lives. My thoughts
and prayers are with the families of the victims. The latest medical
update on the congresswoman is certainly encouraging and it is a ray of
sunshine on an otherwise dark day. While many details of this horrific
incident are still unknown, including the motivation of the attacker,
one thing is clear: this was a vicious and intolerable act that
contradicts the values on which our great nation is built," Menendez said.

Congressman Albio Sires, who sat next to Giffordsm also released his statement.

"As we have heard Congressman Gabrielle Giffords has been shot and is
currently in critical condition. The incident and shooting took place
while attending a Congressional District in Tuscan, AZ," Sires said.

"I have had the pleasure of serving with Congressman Gifford's over the
last several years and as a colleague on the US House of Foreign Affairs
Committee. I have found her to be both hard working and dedicated
member of the committee and representative of her constituents. She is
knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with," he said.

"Right now my thoughts and prayers along with all Americans go out to
the Giffords family, the families of the Congresswoman's staff and the
families of those affected by today's senseless tragedy," Sires said.